O'Hara stepping in to head coaching role after Kehler's departure

Press Release

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks Hockey Club is pleased to officially announce the hiring of Colin O’Hara as head coach and general manager. O'Hara has rejoined the SilverBacks signing a three-year contract with the club.

The head coach of last year's team, Tim Kehler, stepped down last week saying he was leaving the club to pursue other coaching opportunities.

A Vernon native, O'Hara served as associate coach of the SilverBacks last season. Previously, he was head coach and general manager of the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for two seasons. A former defenceman, he has also worked on staff for the Vernon Vipers and Quesnel Millionaires of the BCHL prior to his appointment in Nipawin.

"I am excited to continue to work with a program as strong as the one here in Salmon Arm," said O'Hara. "I would like to thank Randy and Terry Williams for this opportunity and look forward to continue the strong working relationship that was established last season."

"We are looking forward to having Colin rejoining our organization," said Randy Williams. "While he was with our organization last season we developed a strong relationship. His experiences as a player and coach will assist in the development of our organization and his coaching resume will undoubtedly make us a stronger program."

The SilverBacks are pleased to welcome Colin and his wife Erin, along with their three daughters Karsen (10), Brooklyn (7), and Adysin (6) to the community of Salmon Arm.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)